Modular Crossbow

ABSTRACT

A crossbow comprising a tiller, a prod and a trigger mechanism. The tiller comprises a butt and at least one track, and is configured to support a bolt. The prod comprises a bow; a bow string; and a bow base arranged to connect the bow to the track(s). The trigger mechanism is arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked state and to allow releasing the bow string and thereby shooting the bolt. Either the prod; the trigger mechanism; or both, are movably connected to the track(s) such that cocking the bow string utilizes the movable connection. The crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight. One crossbow comprises a force enhancing mechanism arranged to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight, utilizing the movable connection of the prod, the trigger mechanism, or both, to the track(s).

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of weaponry, and more particularly, to a modular crossbow.

2. Discussion of Related Art

A crossbow is a potent weapon, used nowadays mainly for hunting and leisure. Various mechanisms are used to draw the bow string with a draw weight large enough to exploit its high power, such mechanisms include pulley arrays, pull levers, push levers, cranequin and windless. Yet drawing the bow string is still tedious and requires the use of both hands.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention provide a crossbow comprising a tiller, a prod and a trigger mechanism. The tiller comprises a butt and at least one track, and is configured to support a bolt. The prod comprises a bow; a bow string; and a bow base. The bow base is arranged to connect the bow to the at least one track. The trigger mechanism is arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked state and to allow releasing the bow string and thereby shooting the bolt. Either the prod; the trigger mechanism; or both, are movably connected to the at least one track such that cocking the bow string is carried out utilizing the movable connection.

Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crossbow exhibiting a predefined drawing weight. One crossbow comprises a force enhancing mechanism arranged to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight. The force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the prod, the trigger mechanism, or both, to the at least one track.

Accordingly, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crossbow further comprising at least one accessory connected to the tiller. Accessories may comprise: a bolt magazine; a basis configured to support the bolt; sights; and bipod.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a crossbow comprising a tiller, a prod, a trigger mechanism and a drawing element. The tiller comprises a butt and at least one track, and is configured to support a bolt. The prod comprises a bow; a bow string; and a bow base. The bow base is arranged to connect the bow to the at least one track. The trigger mechanism is arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked state and to allow releasing the bow string and thereby shooting the bolt. The drawing element is movably connected to the at least one track and arranged to entrain and allow cocking the bow string.

Accordingly, according to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a crossbow exhibiting a predefined drawing weight. One crossbow comprises a force enhancing mechanism arranged to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight. The force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the drawing element to the at least one track.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a method of configuring a crossbow comprising a tiller, a prod comprising a bow string, and a trigger mechanism. One method comprises: connecting at least one track to the tiller; and connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the at least one track. The connection is arranged to allow a modular assembly of the crossbow.

Accordingly, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, wherein connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the at least one track comprises movably connecting at least one of: the prod; and the trigger mechanism, to the at least one track such that cocking the bow string is carried out utilizing the movable connection.

Accordingly, according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method, wherein the crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight. One method further comprises: connecting a force enhancing mechanism to the crossbow; and arranging the force enhancing mechanism to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight. The force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the prod; the trigger mechanism; or both to the at least one track.

Accordingly, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method further comprising: movably connecting a drawing element to the at least one track; and arranging the drawing element to allow cocking the bow string.

These, additional, and/or other aspects and/or advantages of the present invention are: set forth in the detailed description which follows; possibly inferable from the detailed description; and/or learnable by practice of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of embodiments thereof made in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a crossbow according to some embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic illustrations of a crossbow exhibiting various drawing possibilities according to some embodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 2 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating a method of configuring a crossbow, according to some embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is applicable to other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a crossbow 100 according to some embodiments of the invention. Crossbow 100 comprises a tiller 125, a prod 140, a trigger mechanism 160, and may further comprise a basis 131 for supporting a bolt (not shown), sights (not shown, mountable on sights basis 170), a bolt magazine (not shown) connected to tiller 125, and so forth. Tiller 125 comprises a butt 110 and at least one track 120. Tiller 125 is configured to support a bolt (not shown), e.g. upon basis 131 connected to tiller 125. Bolts may be loaded upon tiller 125 from the bolt magazine. Prod 140 comprises a bow string 150 (shown in FIG. 1A), a bow 141 and a bow base 142. Bow base 142 is arranged to connect bow 141 to tracks 120. Trigger mechanism 160 is arranged to hold bow string 150 in a cocked state and to allow releasing bow string 150 and thereby shooting the bolt.

According to some embodiments of the invention, tracks 120 may comprise either one, two, or any number of tracks 120 configured to allowing convenient operation of crossbow 100, and providing enough strength to tiller 125. For example, tracks 120 may comprise two parallel tracks 120 posited at either sides of the bolt and below a horizontal plane comprising the bolt. Alternatively, tracks may be posited above the bolt or at a lateral configuration. Tracks 120 may comprise a single track, below, above or lateral to the bolt. For example, the single track may be posited on a perpendicular plane comprising the bolt.

According to some embodiments of the invention, crossbow 100 may comprise attachment means 135 for further parts such as a bipod.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic illustrations of a crossbow exhibiting various drawing possibilities, according to some embodiments of the invention. In FIG. 1A, trigger mechanism 160 is movable (via movable connection 180) along tracks 120 and arrange to hold bow string 150 and allow drawing bow string 150 together with trigger mechanism 160 backwards to a shooting position (e.g., as in FIG. 1).

Referring to FIG. 1B, prod 140 is movable (via movable connection 180 of bow base 142) along tracks 120 backwards. Bow string 150 may be attached, or hooked, onto trigger mechanism 160, and then prod 140 may be pushed back—in the forward direction in respect to crossbow 100, and so allowing drawing bow string 150. In both FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, trigger mechanism 160 serves as an anchorage for bow string 150 before the application of the drawing forces.

According to some embodiments of the invention, either prod 140, trigger mechanism 160 or both may be movably connected (180) to tracks 120 such that cocking bow string 150 is carried out utilizing movable connection 180. Further elements may be movably connected to tracks 120 such as basis 131 or the bolt magazine, and these too may be arranged to allow cocking bow string 150. Both prod 140 and trigger mechanism 160 may be movably connected (180) to tracks 120, such that their relative motion allow drawing bow string 150.

Referring to FIG. 1C, crossbow 100 may further comprise a drawing element 144 movably connected (via movable connection 180) to tracks 120 and arranged to entrain and allow cocking bow string 150. Drawing element 144 is arranged to fixate bow string 150, and allow drawing bow string 150 from its lax position near prod 140 to a drawn (and cocked) position at trigger mechanism 160. When drawing element 144 is movably connected to tracks 120, prod 140 and trigger mechanism 160 may be fixated to tracks 120.

According to some embodiments of the invention, crossbow 100 exhibits a predefined drawing weight. Crossbow 100 may further comprise a force enhancing mechanism (not shown) arranged to allow cocking bow string 150 with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight. The force enhancing mechanism is arranged to utilize movable connection (180) of prod 140, trigger mechanism 160, drawing element 144, or any of their combinations to tracks 120. The force enhancing mechanism may comprise various mechanical appliances for enhancing the cocking weight.

FIG. 2 is a high level schematic flowchart illustrating a method of configuring a crossbow, according to some embodiments of the invention. The crossbow comprises a tiller, a prod comprising a bow string, and a trigger mechanism. The method comprises the stages: connecting at least one track to the tiller (stage 200); and connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the track (stage 205). The connection is arranged to allow a modular assembly of the crossbow. The method may comprise connecting one track, two tracks or more at various configurations to reach an optimal force application and operation convenience. According to some embodiments of the invention, connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the tracks (stage 205) comprises movably connecting either the prod, the trigger mechanism or both to the track (stage 210), such that cocking the bow string is carried out utilizing the movable connection.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight, and the method further comprising the stages: connecting a force enhancing mechanism to the crossbow (stage 215); and arranging the force enhancing mechanism to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight (stage 220). The force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of either the prod, the trigger mechanism or both to the track.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises the stages: movably connecting a drawing element to the tracks (stage 225); and arranging the drawing element to allow cocking the bow string (stage 230). According to some embodiments of the invention, the crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight, and the method further comprising the stages: connecting a force enhancing mechanism to the crossbow (stage 215); and arranging the force enhancing mechanism to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight (stage 220). The force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the drawing element to the track.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises connecting at least one accessory to the tiller (stage 235). Accessories may comprise a bolt magazine; a basis configured to support the bolt; sights; and bipod.

In the above description, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the inventions. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments.

Although various features of the invention may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the invention may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, the invention may also be implemented in a single embodiment.

Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment” or “other embodiments” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily all embodiments, of the inventions.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is not to be construed as limiting and are for descriptive purpose only.

The principles and uses of the teachings of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the accompanying description, figures and examples.

It is to be understood that the details set forth herein do not construe a limitation to an application of the invention.

Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention can be carried out or practiced in various ways and that the invention can be implemented in embodiments other than the ones outlined in the description above.

It is to be understood that the terms “including”, “comprising”, “consisting” and grammatical variants thereof do not preclude the addition of one or more components, features, steps, or integers or groups thereof and that the terms are to be construed as specifying components, features, steps or integers.

If the specification or claims refer to “an additional” element, that does not preclude there being more than one of the additional element.

It is to be understood that where the claims or specification refer to “a” or “an” element, such reference is not be construed that there is only one of that element.

It is to be understood that where the specification states that a component, feature, structure, or characteristic “may”, “might”, “can” or “could” be included, that particular component, feature, structure, or characteristic is not required to be included.

Where applicable, although state diagrams, flow diagrams or both may be used to describe embodiments, the invention is not limited to those diagrams or to the corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not move through each illustrated box or state, or in exactly the same order as illustrated and described.

Methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing manually, automatically, or a combination thereof, selected steps or tasks.

The term “method” may refer to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the art to which the invention belongs.

The descriptions, examples, methods and materials presented in the claims and the specification are not to be construed as limiting but rather as illustrative only.

Meanings of technical and scientific terms used herein are to be commonly understood as by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs, unless otherwise defined.

The present invention may be implemented in the testing or practice with methods and materials equivalent or similar to those described herein.

Any publications, including patents, patent applications and articles, referenced or mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in the description of some embodiments of the invention shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of some of the preferred embodiments. Other possible variations, modifications, and applications are also within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be limited by what has thus far been described, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A crossbow comprising: a tiller comprising a butt and at least one track, the tiller configured to support a bolt; a prod comprising a bow; a bow string; and a bow base, the bow base arranged to connect the bow to the at least one track; and a trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked state and to allow releasing the bow string and thereby shooting the bolt, wherein at least one of: the prod; and the trigger mechanism, are movably connected to the at least one track such that cocking the bow string is carried out utilizing the movable connection.
 2. The crossbow of claim 1, the crossbow exhibiting a predefined drawing weight, and further comprising a force enhancing mechanism arranged to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight, wherein the force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the at least one of: the prod; and the trigger mechanism, to the at least one track.
 3. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the trigger mechanism is movably connected to the at least one track, and is arranged to allow cocking the bow string.
 4. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the prod is movably connected to the at least one track, and is arranged to allow cocking the bow string.
 5. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein both the prod and the trigger mechanism are movably connected to the at least one track, and are arranged to allow cocking the bow string utilizing the movable connection.
 6. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the at least one track comprises two parallel tracks.
 7. The crossbow of claim 1, wherein the at least one track comprises one track.
 8. The crossbow of claim 1, further comprising at least one accessory connected to the tiller, the at least one accessory comprising at least one of: a bolt magazine; a basis configured to support the bolt; sights; and bipod.
 9. A crossbow comprising: a tiller comprising a butt and at least one track, the tiller configured to support a bolt; a prod comprising a bow; a bow string; and a bow base, the bow base arranged to connect the bow to the at least one track; a trigger mechanism arranged to hold the bow string in a cocked state and to allow releasing the bow string and thereby shooting the bolt; and a drawing element movably connected to the at least one track and arranged to entrain and allow cocking the bow string.
 10. The crossbow of claim 9, the crossbow exhibiting a predefined drawing weight, and further comprising a force enhancing mechanism arranged to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight, wherein the force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the drawing element to the at least one track.
 11. The crossbow of claim 9, wherein the at least one track comprises two parallel tracks.
 12. The crossbow of claim 9, wherein the at least one track comprises one track.
 13. The crossbow of claim 9, further comprising at least one accessory connected to the tiller, the at least one accessory comprising at least one of: a bolt magazine; a basis configured to support the bolt; sights; and bipod.
 14. A method of configuring a crossbow comprising a tiller, a prod comprising a bow string, and a trigger mechanism, the method comprising: connecting at least one track to the tiller; and connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the at least one track, wherein the connection is arranged to allow a modular assembly of the crossbow.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein connecting the prod and the trigger mechanism to the at least one track comprises movably connecting at least one of: the prod; and the trigger mechanism, to the at least one track such that cocking the bow string is carried out utilizing the movable connection.
 16. The method of claim 14, wherein the crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight, the method further comprising: connecting a force enhancing mechanism to the crossbow; and arranging the force enhancing mechanism to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight, wherein the force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of at least one of: the prod; and the trigger mechanism, to the at least one track.
 17. The method of claim 14, further comprising: movably connecting a drawing element to the at least one track; and arranging the drawing element to allow cocking the bow string.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the crossbow exhibits a predefined drawing weight, the method further comprising: connecting a force enhancing mechanism to the crossbow; and arranging the force enhancing mechanism to allow cocking the bow string with a cocking weight substantially smaller than the predefined drawing weight, wherein the force enhancing mechanism utilizes the movable connection of the drawing element to the at least one track.
 19. The method of claim 14, further comprising connecting at least one accessory to the tiller, the at least one accessory comprising at least one of: a bolt magazine; a basis configured to support the bolt; sights; and bipod. 